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VOTED BEST SPECIALTY SHOP

Gourmet Grocery Store

Some History

Open for Business

Louis Fortino traveled halfway around the globe, from Italy, in search of a better life in the New World for his wife, Chiara Quinterri and first son, Frank.

After finding a job in the United States, Louis came across a little fruit and cigar shop in Muskegon, MI. The owner was also an immigrant trying to earn money to send for his family. He'd grown tired of the effort and had decided to return to Italy. He said to Louis, "For 25 dollars, I'd sell the place." Fortino's was born.

Moving to Grand Haven

In 1911 Louis got out of the cigar business and purchased a larger fruit and vegetable store located in Grand Haven, MI.

Upon moving to Grand Haven, Louis made several changes to the business. He renamed it the Grand Haven Fruit Co. and expanded from retail produce to include wholesale. He became the supplier for many of the small grocers in the West Michigan area.

New Location

Louis built the Fortino store on its present location in 1923 just down the street from the old store.

A New Era

When Ken and Margaret decided to retire in 2015, the family looked for the best possible fit to carry on the Fortino tradition in Grand Haven. For that they settled on Kelly Murray Larson. Kelly is an active community member that also owns four ice cream stores in the area—Sweet Temptations, Temptations, Skoops and the Front porch. Kelly strives to carry on the Fortino’s tradition in a way that will honor the Fortino’s name and history.

Address: 114 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Hours: